What to do if your toddler is overweight?

1. Irregular meal time

if your child does not have a proper meal schedule and eats all through the day, it can be one reason why your baby is putting on excess weight.

2. Portion size

Eating more than what your baby needs can be a problem in the long run. The larger the portion size, the more the calorie intake. If the calorie intake is more, your child's weight is obvious to skyrocket.

3. Lack of physical exercise

Having limited screen time is essential for a child's growth. Experts recommend 3 hours of physical activity for kids. Of course, the 3 hours don't have to be continuous but can be broken down into small sessions.

4. Hereditary

Excess weight can also be hereditary, that is, genetic. If parents are overweight, there is a full chance that they may pass this to their child.

• Take care of your baby's nutritional needs. Ensure that you concentrate on healthy food options such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods. Try avoiding junk food, processed food, fizzy drinks/soda, high-fat foods, sweets, and sugar.

• Suppose your baby is bottle-fed with cow milk; cut down on the milk. 350ml to 400ml of cow milk is more than sufficient for your child.

• Have six mini-meals in a day instead of 3 big ones. This will protect your baby from overeating.

• Avoid bribing your child with treats. This makes your baby a picky eater but also spoils his food habits.

• Limit your baby's screen time. One hour a day or less looks more than enough for a baby. If possible, ban it completely.

• Try and play with your child. Keep him physically active. You can take your baby for a walk or even to a park. Cycling is a good option too.

• Ensure proper sleep patterns for your child. If your baby is not sleeping properly, this may be one reason why they are putting on some extra weight.